Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
This Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful sweet citrus treat bursting with fresh orange flavor. Made from fresh orange juice and zest combined with sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, this candy offers a chewy texture and a natural citrus aroma. Perfect for sharing or gifting, it’s a vibrant and refreshing candy that captures the essence of oranges in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 small pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Orange Candy Ingredients
- 3 medium Oranges (fresh for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup (can substitute with honey if necessary)
- 1 tablespoon Gelatin (agar-agar for vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup Water (for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional, for enhanced flavor and texture; omit for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting and preventing sticking)
Instructions
- Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils. Then juice the oranges until you have approximately 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This juice forms the flavorful base of your candy.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. This process usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Bloom Gelatin: While your syrup is heating, sprinkle the gelatin evenly over an additional 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to soften and bloom, which is essential for the candy’s chewy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Once the syrup is simmering and sugar is dissolved, add the bloomed gelatin to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the gelatin fully dissolves into the mixture. Then, mix in the orange zest and, if using, the butter. Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat for another 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens to a honey-like consistency.
- Set the Candy: Pour the thickened orange candy mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Allow it to cool briefly at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight until the candy is fully set and firm.
- Cut & Dust: After the candy has fully set, gently remove it from the dish. Use a sharp knife to cut it into desired shapes or bite-sized pieces. To finish, dust the pieces evenly with confectioners’ sugar to add sweetness and prevent sticking.
Notes
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder following the package’s instructions for blooming and dissolving.
- If you want a dairy-free candy, simply omit the butter from the recipe or use a plant-based alternative.
- Be careful when cooking the syrup to avoid burning; maintain medium heat and stir gently.
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and aroma; bottled juice will not produce the same vibrant taste.
- Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Orange candy, homemade candy, citrus candy, chewy candy, gelatin candy, fresh orange recipe, sweet treat
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/homemade-orange-candy-recipe/
